The Flora of Virginia Project
The Flora of Virginia Project is a long-term undertaking to produce a manual and website that will provide a comprehensive source for botanists working with Virginia plants. In 2012, many years of work were rewarded with publication of the print version of the Flora of Virginia.
As noted in the Flora of Virginia Project's website, the goals of the project are to:
- Provide a guide to the identification, habitat, status, and distribution of Virginia's plants for professional and avocational users;
- Assimilate and build on the rich tradition of botanical exploration in Virginia;
- Incorporate current genetic-based information in addition to traditional taxonomic approaches; and
- Increase interest in the appreciation and conservation of Virginia's flora.
Botanists working with the College of William and Mary's herbarium supported the Flora of Virginia project (and the Atlas of Virginia project) since its inception. WILLI Curator Emeritus Donna Ware serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors of The Foundation of the Flora of Virginia Project, Inc.
Botanists working on the Flora of Virginia Project used the collection at the College of William and Mary extensively, and consulted with staff for taxa distribution and input on the list of included taxa. WILLI is proud to support the Flora of Virginia project, and celebrate publication of the Flora of Virginia.